WWII veteran raises $1.9 million for frontline healthcare workers by walking around his backyard

A WWII veteran who is walking 100 lengths of his backyard before his 100th birthday has raised over $1.9 million (£1.5 million) for the UK's National Health Service in just one week.

Tom Moore, 99, wanted to say thank you to the NHS after personally receiving "marvelous" service for a broken hip and skin cancer on his head over the last couple of years.

So, the former civil engineer started doing daily laps of his 25-meter long yard last Monday (April 6), with the aim of walking 100 lengths - or 2,500 meters - by his 100th birthday on April 30.

Check out Tom in action in the video below:

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In addition, Moore also started fundraising for NHS Charities Together. But after only expecting support from his village of Marston Moretaine in England, he only set an initial target of £1,000 ($1,250).

However, once Tom's inspirational story hit headlines last week, the veteran quickly smashed through his target and has now raised over £1.5 million for frontline healthcare workers.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Moore said he received "marvelous" care from NHS staff when he underwent treatment for a broken hip, adding: "The patience and kindness I got from them was absolutely amazing."

Moore added: "I thank the British public from the bottom of my heart. Who would have thought that when I set a target of £1,000 a week ago, it could have reached £800,000?"

After seeing the kind donations climb, Tom's daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, took to Twitter to say: "We are overwhelmed by the response. It's extraordinary. We remain proud and humbled by the generosity of the British public."

Check out these supportive messages Tom has received from members of the public:

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Tom was born and raised in Keighley, Yorkshire, where he went on to complete an apprenticeship as a Civil Engineer.

In the 1940s, he was then enlisted in the 145 Regiment Royal Armoured Corps, and was later selected for Officer Training.

After completion, Captain Tom Moore went on to be posted in the 9 DWR in India and served and fought on the Arakan and Burma.

When his overseas duties came to an end, Tom returned to the UK to become an Instructor at The Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington, Dorset.

If you would like to donate to Tom's amazing cause, check out his JustGiving page HERE.